Sleepless after Ablation for AVNRT

[cjw33]

After dealing with PSVT for almost 40 years, I had an ablation done for AVNRT almost 3 weeks ago. The EP that I was referred to by my cardiologist was very confident that he would be able to take care of this long term problem for me.
Prior to the ablation I was very nervous and had a week of sleepless nights. I figured once the ablation was done I would be able to calm down and get back to restful sleep.
The EP that did the procedure did a wonderful job, the nurses on the floor pre & post op were very kind and compassionate and explained everything that they were doing. However, the techs and nurses in the lab were anything but professional and kind. They made me feel like a piece of meat in a butcher shop and all they wanted to do was get on with it. The nurse laughed at me over my concern of having a urinary catheter that I was not prepared for - told me when I was getting on the procedure table trying to be somewhat modest - that I had to "let it all hang out". When I was coming out of anesthesia I was woken to 2 men smashing each side of my groin - and of course my reaction was to see what was going on. When I did this I was hollered at and told "QUIT MOVING! YOU HAVE TO LAY STILL" several times by them.  It would have been nice to hear that the procedure was over and I was fine and I would be going back upstairs soon. They did a terrible job with me and I think about it all the time.
I have had no problems post-ablation. The entry points on both of my legs healed beautifully, the tightness in my chest only last a few days and the AVNRT is gone.
Since the ablation, I do not sleep. The only sleep I get is when my body physically gives out. I am hoping this will pass and I will be able to get back in the rhythm of restful sleep. Is this normal - If it is how long will it last and when should I seek professional help?

[MichelleP_3811]

I agree, when I went for mine one of the people at the reception desk made some sort of joke that I don't even remember what it was but I must have had a look of pure horror and terror on my face because another person stepped in and told them to shut up.  When it is common place for med techs they can forget it isn't for us.  That is no excuse but you do have a right to put in a complaint.  It is best the hospital know these things so they can improve services.  

[cjw33]

I was very aware what was going to happen and that I would be unable to move after the procedure. However, there is a way to talk to people and explain the reason things are happening - they were very lacking in that department.

[MichelleP_3811]

Hmm, well it sounds like you were not properly informed about what was going to happen during and after the ablation.  Laying still is vitally important because the catheters are inserted into your arteries and they have to apply pressure to keep you from bleeding to death.  This happens with everyone though it would have been nice had you known that ahead of time.  I was not put out for my procedure.  I was actually awake for most of it so they did not insert a catheter but you are pretty exposed whenever you have any sort of surgery or medical procedure.  the thing you do have to keep in mind is that all of the people working there have seen it all so our nakedness is par for the course with them.  For us it's best we don't over think that we are exposed and just try and not dwell on it.  But regardless, having anything medically done is an incredibly scary thing.  The stress leading up to it is some of the worst stress you will experience in this life.  We are vulnerable and  naturally scared because though most procedures we would need to go through are run of the mill for the medical staff they aren't for us and even a small percent of something going wrong weighs heavy on us.  The thing is after we have gone through a period of high stress the fall out can be quite difficult.  

I had some clear emotional issues after 2 surgeries and my svt ablation.  It is a bit akin to ptsd and can cause you to have insomnia.  My heart was also pretty jumpy afterwards and beating a bit faster than normal for a good 3 months which didn't help.  You could go see your gp and see if you can get some temporary anxiety meds to deal with the trauma of it all or maybe just try and find some outlets for yourself to see if you can simply Let It Go.  Maybe sit quietly with some music you like and do some deep breathing and try to remind yourself that you are safe and all is well.  Do this as often and for how long as necessary until you feel the stress and tension from it all release.  And then maybe even write the hospital telling of your dismay about how you were treated in the EP lab.  It is important that they know that their staff is lacking a bit of compassion and it may help you get out the upset a bit.    

In any event, I am glad to hear the ablation went well and it sounds like it was a success.  I hope that you are soon able to find some peace and sleep.  Take care.